Backpack

ABSTRACT

A backpack includes a strapping member and a base structure. At least two straps are disposed on a first surface of the strapping member and at least one pivotal structure is disposed on a second surface thereof. The base structure includes a plate member, at least one storing structure, and at least one containing structure. The plate member is pivoted to the strapping member via the pivotal structure. The storing structure and the containing structure are disposed on a second surface of the plate member which corresponds to the second surface of the strapping member. The containing structure includes an upper containing structure and a lower containing structure for accommodating fluid. A connecting structure is connected between the upper containing structure and the lower containing structure, and a stopper structure is disposed on the connecting structure.

The present invention relates to a backpack with special structure, and more particularly to a backpack which is capable of changing the position of its center of gravity easily.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most modern people work all day in air conditioning rooms of business or commercial buildings, which results in their lack of exercises, and accordingly, results in their introspection or resolution of wanting to do more exercises to keep healthy. Therefore, various kinds of outdoor sports, which need long time movement, such as mountain climbing, bicycle riding or etc, become more popular. During the participation of doing these sports, personal facilities, foods, or etc need to be carried on the back of the sport participant when doing long time duration movements or sporting activities. During the sporting activity, people need to move upward or downward, and problems such as energy wasting, energy saving or personal safety should be considered. According to the research conducted by Liu and Chou in 2004, if the weight of the backpack is substantially 10% the weight of the body, and the moving rate is 6.4 km/hour, there will be a smaller psychological load. According to the research by Stuempfle et al. conducted in 2004, the weight distribution of the goods in the backpack influences walking load obviously. Principly, light articles are preferred to be put at lower portion of the backpack and heavy articles are preferred to be put at upper portion of the backpack. Otherwise, the center of gravity of the backpack is preferred to be close to the body, making large muscle groups of the body to be bearing the load (Legg, 1985; Howe and Getchell, 1995).

The inventor of the present invention had done a research about effects of gravity-centre-position on walking load under slopes. The result of the aforementioned research is as follow: if walking with a backpack of higher center of gravity on a slope of 6%, the oxygen consumption (VO2) is significantly increased, which indicates that the results being obviously different from some former or previous studies' results. Therefore, the aforementioned research by the inventor suggests the following: if walking on level or downhill path, the center of gravity of the backpack is preferred to be maintained at a higher position, while if walking on uphill path, the center of gravity of the backpack is preferred to be maintained at a lower position.

As is known, the center of gravity of all every known backpack are fixed whenever the goods or items are already filled therein, and only if the goods or items are taken out of the backpack and refilled or repacked in another particular different way, would then be able to change the center of gravity of the packed backpack. Therefore, there is not one backpack that is capable of meeting our requirements for adjusting or changing the preferred center of gravity positions at will or on the go.

Therefore, the capability to change the position of center of gravity in a convenient and simple way, as well as under the consideration of other problems possibly faced by climbers during mountain climbing, such as over perspiration or life saving in unexpected accident, are the issues that we discussed in the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a backpack with special structure, which could change the position of its gravity centre during uphill, downhill or level movement in a convenient and simple way, for decreasing oxygen consumption and preserve more energy.

The present invention further provides a backpack with special structure, which could supply water for preserving energy or saving life when people are dehydrated due to mass exercises or encounter unexpected crisis.

The backpack includes a strapping member and a base structure. The strapping member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. At least two straps are disposed on the first surface and at least one pivotal structure is disposed on the second surface. The base structure includes a plate member, at least one storing structure, and at least one containing structure. The plate member is pivoted to the strapping member via the pivotal structure and the plate member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface of the plate member confronts the second surface of the strapping member. The storing structure and the containing structure are disposed on the second surface of the plate member. The containing structure includes an upper containing structure and a lower containing structure for accommodating fluid. A connecting structure is connected between the upper containing structure and the lower containing structure, and a stopper structure is disposed on the connecting structure.

The backpack includes a strapping member and a base structure. The strapping member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. At least two straps are disposed on the first surface. At least one pivotal structure and at least one containing structure are disposed on the second surface. The containing structure includes an upper containing structure and a lower containing structure for accommodating fluid. A connecting structure connects the upper containing structure with the lower containing structure, and a stopper structure is disposed on the connecting structure. The base structure includes a plate member and at least one storing structure. The plate member is pivoted to the strapping member via the pivotal structure. The plate member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface of the plate member confronts the second surface of the strapping member. The storing structure is disposed on the second surface of the plate member for storing goods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a backpack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a backpack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a backpack according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a backpack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the backpack includes a strapping member 10 and a base structure 20.

The strapping member 10 has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. At least two straps 12, 13 are disposed on the first surface of the strapping member 10, and at least one pivotal structure 14 is disposed on the second surface of the strapping member 10. In this illustrated first embodiment, the pivotal structure 14 is a column perpendicularly extending from the second surface of the strapping member 10. The column of the pivotal structure 14 has a flange at a free end thereof for engaging in a slot defined in the base structure 20. The pivotal structure 14 may also includes a shaft with outer threads formed at a free end thereof and a nut with inner threads formed therein.

The base structure 20 includes a plate member 21, at least one storing structure 22, and at least one containing structure 23. The plate member 21 is pivoted to the strapping member 10 via the pivotal structure 14. More concretely, the plate member 21 defines the slot that is corresponding to the column of the pivotal structure 14, or a through hole corresponding to the shaft of the pivotal structure 14. In order to pivotably connect the plate member 21 to the strapping member 10, the column of the pivotal structure 14 needs to be engaged in the slot of the plate member 21 of the base structure 20 or the shaft of the pivotal structure 14 needs to pass through the through hole of the plate member 21 and the nut of the pivotal structure 14 needs to be screwed on the shaft thereof to keep the plate member 21 on the strapping member 10. The plate member 21 has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface of the plate member 21 confronts the second surface of the strapping member 10. The storing structure 22 and the containing structure 23 are disposed on the second surface of the plate member 21. The storing structure 22 includes a first storing structure 221 and a second storing structure 222. The first storing structure 221 and the second storing structure 222 are disposed at opposite sides of the second surface of the plate member 21. The storing structure 22 is used for storing goods, especially solid goods. The containing structure 23 is disposed between the first storing structure 221 and the second storing structure 222, and extends in vertical direction. The containing structure 23 includes a first containing structure 231 and a second containing structure 232. The first containing structure 231 is disposed at an upper portion of the plate member 21 while the second containing structure 232 is disposed at a lower portion of the plate member 21. A connecting structure 233 is disposed between the first containing structure 231 and the second containing structure 232, and a stopper structure 234 is disposed on the connecting structure 233. In the first embodiment, the connecting structure 233 is a pipe connecting the first containing structure 231 with the second containing structure 232 and the stopper structure 234 is a valve disposed on the connecting structure 233 being of pipe in shape.

The first containing structure 231 and the second containing structure 232 are used for accommodating fluids. If the center of gravity is required to be positioned at the upper portion of the backpack, the fluid is accommodated in the first containing structure 231. If the center of gravity is required to position at the lower portion of the backpack, the stopper structure 234 needs be turned on and then turned off, making or allowing the fluid in the first containing structure 231 flowing into the second containing structure 232, and the center of gravity is accordingly changed to the lower portion of the backpack from the upper portion of the backpack. If the center of gravity is required to go back to the upper portion of the backpack, the base structure 20 needs to be rotated in bottom-to-top manner, and the center of gravity is therefore changed back to the upper portion of the backpack.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a backpack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the backpack includes a strapping member 10′ and a base structure 20′.

The strapping member 10′ has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. At least two straps 12′, 13′ are disposed on the first surface of the strapping member 10′, and at least one pivotal structure 14′ is disposed on the second surface of the strapping member 10′.

The base structure 20′ includes a plate member 21′, at least one storing structure 22′, and at least one containing structure 23′. The plate member 21′ is pivoted to the strapping member 10′ via the pivotal structure 14′. The plate member 21′ has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface of the plate member 21′ confronts the second surface of the strapping member 10′. The storing structure 22′ and the containing structure 23′ are disposed on the second surface of the plate member 21′. The storing structure 22′ is configured in strip manner and locates at a middle portion of the second surface of the plate member 21′ for storing goods. The containing structure 23′ includes a first containing structure A′ and a second containing structure B′. The first containing structure A′ and the second containing structure B′ are disposed at opposite sides of the storing structure 22′. Both the first containing structure A′ and the second containing structure B′ are vertically disposed on the second surface of the plate member 21′. The first containing structure A′ includes a first upper container 231′ and a first lower container 232′. The first upper container 231′ is disposed at an upper portion of the plate member 21′ while the first lower container 232′ is disposed at a lower portion of the plate member 21′. A pipe-like connecting structure 233′ is disposed between the first upper container 231′ and the first lower container 232′, and a stopper structure 234′ is disposed on the connecting structure 233′. The second containing structure B′ includes a second upper container 235′ and a second lower container 238′. The second upper container 235′ is disposed at an upper portion of the plate member 21′ while the second lower container 238′ is disposed at a lower portion of the plate member 21′. A pipe-like connecting structure 236′ is disposed between the second upper container 235′ and the second lower container 238′, and a stopper structure 237′ is disposed on the connecting structure 236′.

The first upper container 231′ and the first lower container 232′ are used for accommodating fluids. If the center of gravity is required to position at the upper portion of the backpack, the fluid is accommodated in the first upper container 231′. If the center of gravity is required to position at the lower portion of the backpack, the stopper structure 234′ needs be turned on and then turned off, making the fluid in the first upper container 231′ flowing into the first lower container 232′, and the center of gravity is accordingly changed to the lower portion of the backpack from the upper portion of the backpack. If the center gravity is required to go back to the upper portion of the backpack, the base structure 20′ needs to be rotated in bottom-to-top manner, and the center of gravity is therefore changed back to the upper portion of the backpack. The function and operation manner of the second upper container 235′ and the second lower container 238′ are the same as the first upper container 231′ and the first lower container 232′, redundant details are not repeated here.

FIG. 3 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a backpack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the backpack includes a strapping member 10″ and a base structure 20″.

The strapping member 10″ has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. At least two straps 12″, 13″ are disposed on the first surface of the strapping member 10″, and at least one pivotal structure 14″ and a containing structure 23″ are disposed on the second surface of the strapping member 10″. The containing structure 23″ includes a first containing structure A″ and a second containing structure B″. The first containing structure A″ and the second containing structure B″ are vertically disposed at opposite sides of the second surface of the strapping member 10″. The first containing structure A″ includes a first upper container 231″ and a first lower container 232″. The first upper container 231″ is disposed at an upper portion of the second surface of the strapping member 10″ while the first lower container 232″ is disposed at a lower portion of the second surface of the strapping member 10″. A pipe-like connecting structure 233″ is connected between the first upper container 231″ and the first lower container 232″, and a stopper structure 234′ is disposed on the connecting structure 233″. The second containing structure B″ includes a second upper container 235″ and a second lower container 238″. The second upper container 235″ is disposed at an upper portion of the second surface of the strapping member 10″ while the second lower container 238″ is disposed at a lower portion of the second surface of the strapping member 10″. A pipe-like connecting structure 236″ is connected between the second upper container 235″ and the second lower container 238″, and a stopper structure 237″ is disposed on the connecting structure 236″.

The base structure 20″ includes a plate member 21″ and at least one storing structure 22″. The plate member 21″ is pivoted to the strapping member 10″ via the pivotal structure 14″. The plate member 21″ has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface of the plate member 21″ confronts the second surface of the strapping member 10″. The storing structure 22″ is disposed on the entire second surface of the plate member 21″ for storing goods.

The first upper container 231″ and the first lower container 232″ are used for accommodating fluids. If the center of gravity is required to be positioned at the upper portion of the backpack, the fluid is accommodated in the first upper container 231″. If the center of gravity is required to be positioned at the lower portion of the backpack, the stopper structure 234″ needs be turned on and then turned off, making the fluid in the first upper container 231″ flowing into the first lower container 232″, and the center of gravity of the backpack is accordingly changed to the lower portion of the backpack from the upper portion of the backpack. If the center of gravity is required to go back to the upper portion of the backpack, the base structure 20″ needs to be rotated in bottom-to-top manner, and the center of gravity is therefore changed back to the upper portion of the backpack. The function and operation manner of the second upper container 235″ and the second lower container 238″ are the same as the first upper container 231″ and the first lower container 232″, redundant details are not repeated here.

For the forgoing descriptions, the backpack with special structure is a kind of backpack whose gravity-centre-position could be changed easily. Due to different gravity-centre-positions are preferred during uphill and downhill movement, climbers could change the position of center of gravity of the backpack according to landform or landscape and unneeded expenditure of energy is accordingly saved. Furthermore, due to the fluid contained in the containing structure being drinking water, climbers can drink the water contained in the containing structure if they have consumed or exhausted the water carried by hand. The water in the containing structure can also be used to save life in an unexpected crisis. That is, the present invention utilizes the fluidity of the fluid contained in the containing structure to change the position of the center of gravity of the backpack in an easy way. If the fluid is drinking water, it can also be used to quench thirst or save life in an unexpected crisis. These all makes the backpack of the present invention be a kind of one-stone-two-birds product.

While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A backpack comprising: a strapping member comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, at least two straps being disposed on the first surface and at least one pivotal structure being disposed on the second surface; and a base structure comprising a plate member, at least one storing structure, and at least one containing structure, the plate member being pivoted to the strapping member via the pivotal structure and the plate member comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface of the plate member confronting the second surface of the strapping member, the storing structure and the containing structure being disposed on the second surface of the plate member; wherein the containing structure comprises an upper containing structure and a lower containing structure for accommodating fluid, a connecting structure is connected between the upper containing structure and the lower containing structure, and a stopper structure is disposed on the connecting structure.
 2. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the storing structure comprises a first storing structure and a second storing structure disposed at opposite sides of the second surface of the plate member for storing goods.
 3. The backpack according to claim 2, wherein the containing structure is disposed between the first storing structure and the second storing structure, and extends in vertical direction.
 4. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the storing structure is disposed at a middle portion of the second surface of the plate member for storing goods.
 5. The backpack according to claim 4, wherein the containing structure comprises a first containing structure and a second containing structure, the first containing structure and the second containing structure are vertically disposed at opposite sides of the storing structure, the first containing structure comprises a first upper container and a first lower container, the first upper container and the first lower container are respectively disposed at upper and lower portions of the plate member, a connecting pipe is connected between the first upper container and the first lower container and a valve is disposed on the connecting pipe, the second containing structure comprises a second upper container and a second lower container, the second upper container and the second lower container are respectively disposed at upper and lower portions of the plate member, a connecting pipe is connected between the second upper container and the second lower container and a valve is disposed on the connecting pipe.
 6. A backpack comprising: a strapping member comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, at least two straps being disposed on the first surface, at least one pivotal structure and at least one containing structure being disposed on the second surface, the containing structure comprising an upper containing structure and a lower containing structure for accommodating fluid, a connecting structure connecting the upper containing structure with the lower containing structure, and a stopper structure being disposed on the connecting structure; and a base structure comprising a plate member and at least one storing structure, the plate member being pivoted to the strapping member via the pivotal structure, the plate member comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface of the plate member confronting the second surface of the strapping member, the storing structure being disposed on the second surface of the plate member for storing goods.
 7. The backpack according to claim 6, wherein the containing structure comprises a first containing structure and a second containing structure vertically disposed at opposite sides of the second surface of the plate member, the first containing structure comprises a first upper container and a first lower container, the first upper container and the first lower container are respectively disposed at upper and lower portions of the second surface of the strapping member, a connecting pipe is connected between the first upper container and the first lower container and a valve is disposed on the connecting pipe, the second containing structure comprises a second upper container and a second lower container, the second upper container and the second lower container are respectively disposed at upper and lower portions of the second surface of the strapping member, a connecting pipe is connected between the second upper container and the second lower container and a valve is disposed on the connecting pipe. 